Mental health volunteer roles

If you are over 18 and have been impacted by suicide loss, you could help make a difference.

• Have you been impacted by suicide?
• Do you have a desire to help others?
• Are you comfortable with listening to and supporting people with similar experiences to your own?

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is the leading charity providing peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide. We believe that no one should face their loss alone, so we create safe spaces across the UK for people to share and process their grief.

We are seeking compassionate volunteers looking to start up a new peer support group in Aberystwyth.

Who are we looking for?

• Over the age of 18.
• Bereaved by suicide over 18 months ago and confident in your own progress. The impacts of a death by suicide are far-reaching - this could have been a family member, friend, colleague, client, or even a stranger.
• Passionate about supporting others in your community.
• Friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, with good active listening skills.
• Respectful, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach to survivors.
• Comfortable in supporting conversations and managing group dynamics.
• Good communication skills – both spoken & written English.
• A commitment to support the group, your team, and the surrounding community.

How do groups work?
Each group is facilitated by a team of three volunteers who have all been bereaved by suicide themselves. Their role is facilitating meetings, group administration, fundraising and communication for the group as a team. All volunteers are provided with full training before they begin the role and receive support from head office throughout their volunteering journey.

SoBS groups usually meet once a month for around 2 hours, and provide people with an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions, and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space.

There is no set structure to a meeting – people are free to talk and listen as much or as little as they want. Topics discussed vary from month to month but often include people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit, questions about coroners and discussions about common challenges such as flashbacks, supporting children or facing neighbours. Established groups may occasionally organise guest speakers, go on walks, or arrange craft workshops.

What will you do?

• Facilitate group sessions – meeting survivors, starting off conversations, allowing space for people to talk (if they want to), and looking out for others.
• Administration & communication – managing enquiries from survivors, providing information and signposting where needed, submitting information to the national office.
• Provide signposting to head office, as well as other local charities and services.

What do we provide?

• Robust training and a commitment to development.
• Annual volunteer assembly: talks, forums, guest speakers, celebrations, and socials.
• Peer support from over 500 other volunteers with regular opportunities to meet and share ideas.
• Regular check-ins & catch-up sessions with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for your region, and our team in the national office.
• Travel & group expenses for your volunteering role.
• Coverage by SoBS’ Public Liability Insurance whilst you’re carrying out the role.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments that enable volunteers with disabilities to access our opportunities.

As a group facilitator, you will play a vital role in supporting others bereaved by suicide. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief journey, please do apply.

We are looking for a new on-line counselor to join our organisation. This will mean running an email service and even a Skype / zoom service if you wish.

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of WHY, setting our direction and strategy, and ensuring we build strong foundations for continued impact.

The Board has identified specific skills that would greatly benefit WHY at this time:

• A trustee with clinical experience in counselling or therapy

• A trustee with accountancy or financial expertise

​Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with members typically serving up to three terms for continuity. The Board meets six times per year. In addition, trustees are encouraged to take on responsibilities, actively support staff, and participate in events.

We Hear You (WHY) is a local cancer charity providing free and low-cost professional counselling and therapy to children, young people and adults affected by cancer and other life- threatening conditions in Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Independent visitors befriend and socialise with children & young people in care and care leavers up to the age of 25

 Responsibilities:

· An Independent Visitor provides a stable, adult role model for a young person.

· They visit monthly and befriend and listen to the young person and share their interests and hobbies.

· Provide support and empowerment to help the young person plan for their future

· Identify where the young person might benefit from specialist support and help them to access it

· To act within ONSIDE’s safeguarding policies

Skills & qualities required:

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to build trust and a friendly relationship with children & young people in care and care leavers

· Be prepared for an open-ended supportive relationship within and potentially after care

· Demonstrate empathy and understanding to the needs of the children and young people

The Trustees of Omega are volunteers who lead and manage the charity, ensuring it is well-run and achieves its purposes. They are responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and overall direction, making decisions that impact the charity's beneficiaries and the wider community. Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity's legal and financial well-being, and they must act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Our trustees are the guardians of the charity, responsible for ensuring it is well-managed, financially sound, and fulfilling its charitable purposes for the benefit of its beneficiaries and the wider community. We look for trustees who have a particular area of experience or skillset so we have a good range of professional expertise represented across the board of trustees at any point in time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Strategic Direction: Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and direction, plan and review its work, and make decisions about its activities and resources.
• Financial Oversight: Trustees are responsible for the charity's finances, ensuring they are managed responsibly and used to support the charity's purposes.
• Compliance and Legal Duties: Trustees ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations.
• Accountability: Trustees are accountable to donors, regulators, beneficiaries, and the public, ensuring the charity is transparent and operates ethically.
• Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Risk Management: Trustees must identify and manage potential risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, and operational risks.

Qualities we are looking for in our Omega Trustees:

• Commitment: Trustees are volunteers and must be committed to the charity's mission and goals.
• Good Judgment: Trustees need to be able to make sound decisions based on available information and their understanding of the charity's needs.
• Integrity and Honesty: Trustees must act with integrity and honesty, putting the charity's interests first.
• Understanding of Governance: Trustees need to understand their responsibilities and the principles of good governance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Trustees need to be able to communicate effectively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Overview

No Panic is a national charity, supporting people with a variety of anxiety issues, providing self-help advice over our helpline and additional support services.

We are building a team of volunteers to produce and distribute introduction material about No Panic to service users, members, students and volunteers.

We are looking for a volunteer to co-ordinate this team.

Activities

Activities will include reviewing the introduction material; assigning editing tasks to team members;  monitoring progress; reviewing content and overseeing distribution.

The Co-ordinator might also do the editing, if no volunteers are available.

We anticipate this volunteering will take up about 3-4 hours per week and ask our volunteers to commit to at least a year.

Desired Skills

Successful applicants will be committed and motivated.

They will be confident, and have leadership skills.

They will be able to produce and edit documents of varying lengths to a high standard and be able to write and communicate with clarity.

A reference will be required.

Support

The Introductions Team Co-ordinator will be supported by a Trustee.

Volunteer Trustee – Treasury & Finance

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Trustee with treasury or financial expertise to join our Board. This role is central to helping us manage our resources responsibly, plan for the future, and ensure our funds are used to achieve maximum impact.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant, but we’re looking for someone with experience in finance, treasury management, or investment oversight who can bring clarity, challenge, and strategic thinking to our decision-making.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Overseeing financial governance alongside the Board and Finance Committee.
• Advising on treasury management, cash flow, and reserves.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Helping the charity manage risk responsibly while seizing opportunities to grow.
• Acting as a constructive and collaborative member of the Board.

What We’re Looking For

• Professional experience in finance, treasury, banking, investments, or related fields.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret financial reports and explain them clearly.
• Commitment to good governance and the principles of charitable accountability.
• Passion for Carrs Lane Counselling mission and a desire to make a positive difference.
• Willingness to commit time and expertise to support our Board and staff team.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your professional skills for social good.
• Experience in charity governance and leadership.
• A chance to shape the financial resilience and long-term success of Carrs Lane Counselling
• Satisfaction from making a meaningful impact in your community.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter

Make a difference by using your own experiences

For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.

We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.

We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:

• Shared understanding
• Reduces stigma
• A non-judgemental environment
• Practical insights and tools
• Continued motivation and hope

Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.

Training

A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:

• Safeguarding
• Motivational interviewing
• Facilitation skills

Role Responsibilities

Online Peer Supporters will:

• Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
• Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
• Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:

Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (on average 1-2 emails per week for approximaely 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users

• Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
• Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.

What can I expect from GamCare?

In return, GamCare will:

• Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
• Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
• Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
• Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
• Give ongoing training and development opportunities
• Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
• Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering

Role Requirements

For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).

We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.

This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.

For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.

Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.

Availability & Commitment

We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.

Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Volunteer Coordinator role

Work Location: In Person / Remote TBC

This role is voluntary and unpaid; however, expenses can be claimed as necessary.

Adoption Matters are looking to recruit for a Volunteer Co-Ordinator role. This is an exciting opportunity to join and support an innovative, ‘Outstanding’ children’s charity and which is one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK.

About us

Adoption Matters is a registered children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train, support individuals and families as adopters, offer them ongoing support, and training for as long as they need it. We also provide support to birth families and adopted adults. We are the ONLY adoption service in the North West rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the last five consecutive inspections. In 2024, the Adoption Matters family grew as we launched our not-for profit fostering agency Foster Care Matters.

About the role

Are you the right person for the role?

The Volunteer Coordinator undertakes a wide range of tasks, including:

· Dealing with queries from potential new volunteers who get in touch

· Being the first point of contact for our existing volunteers and answering general queries

· Championing volunteer engagement

· Initially, this role will support the initial contact of volunteers

· Fundraising support at the annual Garden Party picnic event

· Support at community events – fun runs, sponsor events

· Promotion of our charity lottery

· Possible involvement with arrangements of/attendance at large events, e.g. golf days, charity dinners

· Liaising with Volunteer Co-ordinator and Fundraising and Relationship Manager about events

· Sharing ideas about fundraising activities

Are you able to demonstrate the following abilities and knowledge?

· Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· You need to be a great people person, friendly and approachable.

· Excellent telephone manner and written communication skills.

· An ability to work as part of a team.

· Creative and forward thinking.

· Computer literacy.

· Ability to use on own initiative and as part of a small team.

· Passion and enthusiasm.

This is a rewarding and enjoyable role. You will be working with the charities Fundraising and Relationship Manager. This role will also provide you with the opportunity to gain experience in doing volunteering work with people of all ages and to learn new skills, as well as develop existing ones.

What we offer in return

· Introduce you to how the organisation works and your role in it and to provide appropriate training and support for your agreed role

· Provide regular meetings with a staff contact so that you can tell us how you are getting on and get feedback from us.

· Respect your skills and experience and try to match them with the right role for you wherever possible.

· Do our best to meet your individual wishes.

· Reimburse you for agreed and reasonable expenses incurred in accordance with the expenses policy.

· Make necessary arrangements to ensure your health, safety and welfare.

· Offer equal opportunities to everyone who wants to volunteer.

· Provide access to trained members of staff to support, guide and advise you.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Our values are honesty, fairness, inclusivity, flexibility, ethically based, and celebrating difference. We encourage applications from all areas of the community. We believe that our organisation should reflect and represent the full richness of human diversity in terms of background, identity, ability and circumstance. As groups of people currently under- represented as Adoption Matters volunteers, we are particularly keen to receive your application if you are Black, Asian or minority ethnic, have a disability or have personal experience of the care system and/or adoption. We will be measuring our success in redressing this.

We are open to discussion of any adjustments or any flexible arrangements you may need to achieve your full potential at any stage of the process, and if you are successful in gaining a volunteer position with us, during volunteering. We promise the only thing we assess within your application is how you have demonstrated your suitability for the job, and nothing else.

What’s next? It’s easy! Follow the weblink to apply direct on the Adotion Matters website! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Adoption Matters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people therefore please note our recruitment procedure includes DBS checks and other relevant employment checks, including the right to work in the UK.

Please note that we only contact candidates selected for interview and we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

Volunteer Fundraiser

Work Location: In Person / Remote TBC

This role is voluntary and unpaid; however, expenses can be claimed as necessary.

Adoption Matters are looking to recruit for a Volunteer Fundraiser role. This is an exciting opportunity to join and support an innovative, ‘Outstanding’ children’s charity and which is one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK.

About us

Adoption Matters is a registered children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train, support individuals and families as adopters, offer them ongoing support, and training for as long as they need it. We also provide support to birth families and adopted adults. We are the ONLY adoption service in the North West rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the last five consecutive inspections. In 2024, the Adoption Matters family grew as we launched our not-for profit fostering agency Foster Care Matters.

About the role

Are you the right person for the role?

The Fundraising Volunteer will undertake a wide range of fundraising activities and events supporting collections throughout the year as and when mutually agreed, including:

· Fundraising support at the annual Garden Party picnic event

· Support at community events – fun runs, sponsor events

· Promotion of our charity lottery

· Possible involvement with arrangements of/attendance at large events, egg. golf days, charity dinners

· Liaising with Volunteer Co-ordinator and Fundraising and Relationship Manager about events

· Sharing ideas about fundraising activities

Are you able to demonstrate the following abilities and knowledge?

· Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

· Good listening and communication skills

· You need to be a great people person, friendly and approachable.

· Excellent telephone manner and written communication skills.

· An ability to work as part of a team.

· Creative and forward thinking.

· Computer literacy.

· Ability to use on own initiative and as part of a small team.

· Passion and enthusiasm

This is a rewarding and enjoyable role. You will be working with the charities appointed Volunteer Coordinator, and Fundraising and Relationship Manager. This role will also provide you with the opportunity to gain experience in doing volunteering work with people of all ages and to learn new skills, as well as develop existing ones.

What we offer in return

· Introduce you to how the organisation works and your role in it and to provide appropriate training and support for your agreed role

· Provide regular meetings with a staff contact so that you can tell us how you are getting on and get feedback from us.

· Respect your skills and experience and try to match them with the right role for you wherever possible.

· Do our best to meet your individual wishes.

· Reimburse you for agreed and reasonable expenses incurred in accordance with the expenses policy.

· Make necessary arrangements to ensure your health, safety and welfare.

· Offer equal opportunities to everyone who wants to volunteer.

· Provide access to trained members of staff to support, guide and advise you.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Our values are honesty, fairness, inclusivity, flexibility, ethically based, and celebrating difference. We encourage applications from all areas of the community. We believe that our organisation should reflect and represent the full richness of human diversity in terms of background, identity, ability and circumstance. As groups of people currently under- represented as Adoption Matters volunteers, we are particularly keen to receive your application if you are Black, Asian or minority ethnic, have a disability or have personal experience of the care system and/or adoption. We will be measuring our success in redressing this.

We are open to discussion of any adjustments or any flexible arrangements you may need to achieve your full potential at any stage of the process, and if you are successful in gaining a volunteer position with us, during volunteering. We promise the only thing we assess within your application is how you have demonstrated your suitability for the job, and nothing else.

What’s next? It’s easy! Follow the weblink to apply direct on the Adoption Matters website! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Adoption Matters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people therefore please note our recruitment procedure includes DBS checks and other relevant employment checks, including the right to work in the UK.

Please note that we only contact candidates selected for interview and we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.